Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease? If you do, know you’re not alone.
There are about 24 million people affected by autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroid disease, celiac disease, psoriasis and more. That is just the ones with an actual diagnosis. The true number must be larger.
Autoimmune Symptoms
Even though there are many autoimmune conditions, they do share some commonalities. Some typical symptoms of a variety of autoimmune diseases include:
- Chronic inflammation
- Painful and swollen joints
- Muscular pain
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal concerns and issues with digestion
- Skin problems (rashes, itching, etc.)
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
If you believe you may have an autoimmune disease, the first step should be to visit your doctor.
Talk To Your Primary Care Provider
When dealing with any health concern, it’s best to be proactive. You can ask your primary care provider to run a number of different tests to help you gain better control and understanding of your personal health.
You’ll want to start by testing for any hidden infections. Yeast infections, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens can wreak havoc on your body and lead to chronic inflammation when left untreated. Eliminating any of these concerns with your doctor can be highly beneficial.
You’ll also want to test for Celiac Disease, which can be triggered by consuming gluten. True gluten allergies are quite rare, but it may be good to check. Incidentally, there is also an allergy to red meat that exists!
Testing for any food allergies or aversions can also help reduce inflammation and promote a healthier digestive system.
Talk to your doctor about testing for heavy metal toxicity in the blood as well. If you’ve been exposed to heavy metals like mercury, you may be at greater risk for autoimmunity.
Get The Right Nutrients
Getting the right nutrients in your system is another way to be proactive in your healthcare. You can help your immune system by taking supplements like omega-3, vitamin C, and vitamin D.
Dr. Warner’s Daily Multi with PEA includes vitamins C and D, along with Zinc and Magnesium for improving your foundational health while relieving pain. Zinc and magnesium are very important to the cellular function and regulation of the immune system.
Well Theory now features a single-ingredient supplement of Omega-3 too! Omega-3 is great for reducing inflammation and pain in the joints.
Taking other natural anti-inflammatories like Tart Cherry Extract and Well Theory’s Joint Health Multi can also improve pain levels while reducing inflammation.
Get Enough Exercise
Exercise is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that can also reduce stress and improve your overall mood. Exercise is your most powerful tool, beside good sleep, for optimal aging.
If you’re looking for low-impact exercises, try walking, cycling or swimming for at least 150 minutes a week. That may sound like a lot, but it’s only 30 minutes a day, five times a week. And you can always build yourself up to that level.
Yoga is another low-impact exercise that can promote deep relaxation. One review of yoga’s impact on inflammatory biomarkers notes improvement in those who suffer from diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have a difficult time setting achievable, measurable goals when it comes to exercise, you may benefit from meeting with a physical therapist. One simple way to start is by getting up every 30 minutes and walking around the room or house for about 1-3 minutes. Over an 8 hour day, that will achieve about 16 to 48 minutes of activity.
Call Warner Orthopedics and Wellness today to schedule a consultation for any of your primary care or physical therapy needs. We’re here to help you get better.
